The Story of Paul, Part Four, Peter Meets Paul

Paul and Peter Meet

We left off with the story of Peter, being told by God, to go and Preach the Gospel to the Gentiles who were with Cornelius the Centurion. How Peter saw a vision and the Spirit of God told him that he should no longer consider any man God chooses as unclean. In other words, non-Jews were about to receive the Holy Spirit and Salvation through the Faith in Jesus, just as they. Peter goes, and witnesses this, first hand.

Meanwhile, Paul is doing his thing. Here is something you really need to understand. Just as Jesus came to Peter, and taught him the Gospel and the things of God, then appointed him, Commissioned him as the Head of the Church for the Jews....

Matthew 16:

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

The Same Jesus appointed, or Commissioned Saul, now Paul, and the Leader of the Church to the Gentiles...

Acts 9:

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Paul was taught all he knows directly from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. He, like Peter, was not taught in a School run by men. He was not appointed by man to any power or position. Paul tells us this in one of his letters to the Church in Galatia.

Galatians 1: 

1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Then we see what may indeed be the first time, man, tried to change the incorruptible Word of, and God Himself, into the corruptible imagine of man. In other words, instead of simply dealing with the Truth according to God, they decided that they were going to put restrictions and hardships on those seeking conversion. This is perhaps the first time we see man, attempting to form a "Religion" instead of operating in true Faith.

Now I personally believe, I, Peter Carlock, personally believe, not scripture, that the reason for this was jealousy. Some of the Believing Jews, became offended that Gentiles were being blessed, just like they. So they said, if any of these Gentiles want to be saved, then they must be circumcised, and they must come under the Law of Moses.

So they come to Paul and Barnabas to have the matter settled. It does not say, but it appears that Paul and Barnabas saw no need of this, but the people were not happy with that response, so they ask them to go to Jerusalem, to the Heads of the Church, The Apostles.

Acts 15:

1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

Here they are, all together. Paul tells Peter, and the rest of the Apostles, all the things have been done with them. Then they get to the matter at hand...

5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

Can you say, denomination? This is how it begins. One group decides that they like this, but not that, or feel this and that should be added, or taken away, so they go on with themselves and form their own group, teaching their ways. Catholic, Protestant, Baptists, Hindu, ETC. It goes from Truth and Faith, to man-made Tradition call Religion.

6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

Now Peter is saying here is this. Hey, I told you all the story of Cornelius the Centurion. it would most likely be hard for me to believe it if it had not been with my own mouth and seen by my own eyes. But there it is. The Gentiles have receive the way of Salvation just like us. Notice Peter did not circumcise them yet they received the Holy Spirit.

9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

So the answer was simple. No. You do not have to be Circumcised to be Saved. The Apostles, send representatives back with Paul and Barnabas, with this letter. Most likely written by Peter,

21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.

24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

Lets look at this letter for a second. First, they send with Paul and Barnabas, Judas or Barsabas and Silas, so that they can testify to those in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, that the letter is indeed from Peter and the Apostles and so those present cannot dispute the letter. They, Barsabas and Silas, will confirm the authenticity of the Letter and represent the Apostles and Elders.

"Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment." This is not of God. This is not of the Word. This is of no importance whatsoever. There is no reason that you must suffer these things in order to be Saved. Simply believe in Jesus, be baptized, and keep yourselves from the things of the world.

"It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Peter saw Paul as an equal. A man who is ordain by Jesus Himself, to be the outreach, if you will, of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

"For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." That's it. Believe, and grow in Faith. Live as God tells you to live. Do not be conformed to the world. Be above it. Sin no more. This is Peter's message to the Church of the Gentiles, now called "Christians."

30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Now let's look at Paul's letter to the Church in Galatia some time later. First he gives God the Praise, then he admonishes them for becoming more a Tradition of Men than operating in True Faith,,,

Galatians 1:

1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

What does Paul mean here? Simple. The Gospel is, The Word became flesh and dwelt amount us. Jesus came to earth and suffered, died, yet rather, was risen again. That whosoever believes on the name of Jesus The Christ is Saved. He who repents and accepts the gift of God, is saved. Anything other than this, is a lie and an abomination to God and man.

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

It is not a bunch of rules and regulations. It is not man-made and man-appointed Traditions. It is about Truth and Faith in Jesus and a one on one relationship with God. Then Paul admits that he was once a Sinner. And even how he benefited from being "Religious."

13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

Now understand what Paul says here. He said, immediately following his conversion, he chose not to go to Peter nor any other Apostles. He went to Arabia where he learned the ways of God from Jesus Himself. Then, after three years, he went to see Peter. When he was fully grown and fully understanding of God and His plan, THAT is when he went to see Peter.

As an interesting side note here: the only place in the New Testament where the Greek verb historeō "visit" is found, indicating that Paul probably chose it purposely. It translates to "getting to know someone." So Paul says he went to Jerusalem to "get to know" Peter, and spent 15 days with him.

19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;

22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:

23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

24 And they glorified God in me.

Paul continues,,,

Galatians 2:

1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

OK. I understand that this may be a lot for some to take in. I get it. In this letter, Paul seems to be recounting his visit at the request of some, who demanded that the Gentiles be circumcised and fall under the Law of Moses. Remember, Peter and the Apostles Prayed about it and said The Holy Spirit, first, then them second, agree that this was not necessary.

Then Paul said, "when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he {Jesus, The Holy Spirit, God} that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)" Then Paul specifically says this..

9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

You see, anytime you hear Peter was the first Pope, this is simply incorrect. He was the head of the Church of the Jews, to bring Jesus to them, PAUL was appointed the Head of the Church, to bring Jesus to the Gentiles.

Then he talks about a time when he found himself admonishing Peter himself. See, Peter was a man of many flaws. Aren't we all? He loved hanging out with and doing the things the Gentiles did. However, whenever a "Jewish Leader" showed up, Peter removed himself and in essence hid who he was and how he was living. Peter fell into a "Do as I say, not as I do" type of behavior.

11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Now Paul grows in Faith and becomes one of the Greatest Saints to ever live. We will wrap this all up next time. Paul did not have a cake walk. He did indeed pay for the Sins he committed as Saul. But what Sins have you committed in your life that is worthy to even be compared? If God can take a Sinner as Saul, and turn him into Paul, how much more do you think He can do for you?...

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

The Story Of Saul, Now Paul, Part Three

The Story of Peter

So far we met Stephen. A man of great Faith, and one who was appointed by Peter and the other Apostles, as a Leader in the Early Church, to oversee the daily distribution of goods toward the people. A face of an Angel and wisdom of God. A man who was killed for Preaching the Gospel.

We then met, at Stephen's death, a man named Saul from Tarsus. An evil man who's total reason for being was to hunt down and to bring into bondage, anyone who believed in, and taught in, the name Jesus as the Christ. We saw that not only was he present at Stephens death, but was consenting to it.

Following this, we saw how Saul first met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul accepts the voice of God, as that of Jesus the Christ. Jesus tells him to go into the city, and he would be told what he should do. Saul obeyed and went. Blind and fasting for three days.

Then we met Ananias. A faithful man, Walking Worthy, so close to God that when Jesus spoke to him, he said "I am Here." God tells Ananias to go heal Saul. Reluctantly, and not joyfully at all, Ananias went and laid hands on Saul healing his Blindness, and Baptized him. Saul becomes a new creature. Saul in essence, dies. That evil man, hunter of anything to do with Jesus, now becomes Paul. Apostle and Saint.

Now Paul heads out, he starts boldly Preaching the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. He is not accepted well at first, as you can imagine. He is arrested. Stoned. And suffers many things. However, always faithful to the Gospel and always growing in Faith and knowledge.

While Paul is out doing his part of God's Plan, Peter is doing his. Now we all know Peter. Saint, Disciple of Jesus. The only other man in history to walk on water with Jesus. The one Jesus said "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." {Matthew 16:18} The one who denied Jesus three times. The one who decided to just go back to his life, following Jesus's Crucifixion, until Jesus returned and admonished him and those that went Fishing with him.

So Peter accepted his role as Leader of the early Church. HOWEVER, BIG however, he was NOT the first Pope. He was NOT preaching the Gospel to anyone who was not Jewish. He was with Jesus and most likely believed what Jesus said when He said,, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." {Matthew 7:6} He was sent out, to preach by Jesus, when Jesus said, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not." {Matthew 10:5} So Peter had nothing to do with teaching Gentiles ANYTHING. To him, they were dogs and swine. Oh he liked hanging out with them, but teaching them? No.

So Peter is on a rooftop Praying, when he has this experience.

Acts 10:

9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

Now remember, Paul was appoint to Preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Peter was appoint to preach Jesus to the Jews. Now Peter sees this vision and has no clue what it means. He is doing what he was taught to do. He thought he was doing what God told him to do. He was being "holy" and not touching anything unclean. Now this? What does it mean. He is confused.

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

Cornelius is an Italian Centurion. He is not a Jew. He has nothing to do with Moses or the Law. But he is a man of Faith. He Prayed always. He gave alms, or goods and money to the Poor. He desired to know about this Gospel that he most likely heard something of. Who is this Jesus, King of the Jews? What is this Resurrection thing all about? Was this indeed God in the flesh? What is this healing and miracle thing all about? So God heard his Prayers. Saw his deeds. And appeared to him and said send for Peter "he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." 

Now if Peter had not had this experience, had not been told by God, no longer call anything God cleanses common or unclean, when these men from Caesarea arrived, Peter would have in no way gone with them. Stupid Italians. Who do they think they are to come here and ask me to tell them the Gospel? They are not Jews. I will not go. I will have nothing to do with them.

However, now he understood that God can and does seek out the Heart. He has opened up Salvation to those worthy of it, not by Jewish blood, but by faith...

21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

So not only did Peter accept them, he brought them in, fed them, and gave them a place to sleep for the night. That most likely would have never happened either. Then in the morning, and went with them. Him and some others.

24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Notice the first thing he says to the group. It is not Lawful for me to be here. Meaning the Law of Moses. Not the Law of the Land. That according to the Law of Moses he should not keep company with, talk with, nor have anything to do with, anyone non-Jewish. But then notice how he puts this. "but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." "Any man." In other words, you have no idea the Heart of anyone but yourself. You do not know if God is using a certain person for His plans and purpose or not. You have no way of knowing who they are or what they are about. So Peter says "but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean."

29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Again, Cornelius is an Italian Centurion. Yet? He was Praying to God always. Giving to the Poor, and even Fasting. He most likely was reading the Torah or the Tanakh. He may have been sneaking in to the Temple to hear the Word. He was a man of Great Faith and one God spoke to directly.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

This is very important for you to understand. Peter said, God is no respecter of persons. In other words? "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." {Galatians 3:28} Then Peter Preached to them the Gospel.

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

So here we see, Peter sees, the first non-Jewish conversion. This did not go over well with some Believing Jews. It tells us in Acts 11, that Peter had to recount the whole thing.

Acts 11:

1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them,

It goes on to retell the whole story.

16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Now this is important to understand. Unless this took place, Paul and Peter could never have met. We will talk about this meeting next time. You will clearly see that although Peter had this experience, he was still commissioned by Jesus Himself to bring the Gospel of Salvation through Faith and not the Law alone, to the Jewish people. Just as Jesus taught Peter all things, gave him the power in all things, and commissioned him to Preach to the Jews, Jesus did the same for Paul toward the Gentiles.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

Story of Saul, Part Two

The Story of Ananias. 

Last time we talked about Stephen. A Man, full of Faith and the Holy Spirit, that was Walking Worthy. He became an appointed leader of the Early Church and was killed by the Jews for Preaching the Gospel. Perhaps, one of the most important acts Stephen ever did, was what he said at the point of his death.

Acts 7:

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Now there, watching the whole thing, and consenting to it, and even taking joy in it, was a man named Saul.

Acts 8:

1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Saul is not a nice guy. He is, in essence, equal to Hitler. His entire reason to exist is to hunt down God's Chosen people. He would bring them into bondage, throw them in jail, and even murder them. He received great power and position by his Government for doing so and he was greatly respected and feared by men.

Acts 9:

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Now this is what they called, living the Gospel, at this time. They called it "The Way." Remember, Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." {John 14:6} If you were a believing Jew, well, you were a Jew. It didn't matter that you accepted the Truth of The Christ. You are still a Jew. Believer in "The Way." The Term Christian would first be used in Antioch following Saul's conversion.

So Saul goes to the High Priest, yes, Saul is a Religious man, just like Hitler was, and asks permission to hunt down any of "The Way" in Damascus. He is granted the permission to do exactly that. So he heads out.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord?

Stop.... Now again, Saul is a Religious man. He most likely actually believed the lies. He most likely TRULY believed that people like Stephen, and anyone else that is following the teachings of this Jesus that was Crucified , are committing blasphemies, and is attempting to corrupt the Law of Moses. So when he saw the light, and heard the voice, he knew it was God. So he asked, "Who art thou, Lord?"

And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Imagine this for a second. Here is Saul, on his way to do terrible things in the name of God, to those that follow this Jesus, and here is God talking to him, identifying Himself, as Jesus. Talk about a moment of clarity. A moment of recognition.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Here is something else to consider. He believed the voice. He accepted that it was indeed Jesus. He realized he was wrong the whole time. He was also not alone. He had a brigade of men with him, to assist him in his mission. Of course one man could not do all that he did. So these men also heard and saw the same Saul did.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Jesus tells him He is Lord. Saul accepts it. In essence, Jesus looked into Saul's eyes as He did with Peter, John, Matthew, ETC, and said "Follow me." Now at this point, Saul could have said "No." He could have disbelieved that it was the voice of Jesus. He could have continued on with his mission. But he didn't do that. He went. He in essence said "Yes."

After arriving in Damascus, and fasted for three days. Now it does not say why. It does not say he did so as a form or repentance. But one could draw that conclusion. While he was fasting, and blind, he saw a vision. He saw a man named Ananias coming to him and laying his hands on him to restore his sight. Meanwhile...

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

Stop for a second. How is your Faith? Are you faithful enough to be sure that if the Lord was to speak to you this very second, you could say "I am here." Are you this close to God? Ananias was.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

"Behold he prayeth." What? What do you think God meant here when He said Saul prayed. Again, it does not specifically say. But lets put this all together. Saul, in the middle of his Sin, is visited by Jesus. Jesus says "Follow Me." and Saul says "Yes." Now Saul is fasting, most likely as repentance for all the Sins he has committed against God and Jesus. So he prayed the Prayer of Salvation. Does it say he prayed for healing? Nope. He saw, in a vision, a man coming. God showed him Ananias coming. But Ananias was not so sure about all this.

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

Now really think about this. Here is a faithful and just man. God speaks to him directly. What must he have been thinking? "You want me to build a boat? I got a lot of wood out back. You want me to go and preach the Word. I'm ready. You want me to clime a mountain, part a sea, whatever. I'm ready." God says "Go heal Saul." "WHOA!!!!! What? Sorry God. What did you just say?" "Go heal Saul." "WAIT!!!! If you were not God, I would be asking you if you have lost your mind. You want me to go do what? God. Do you not know this guy is evil? Do you not know the evil he has done. All that aside, do you not know he has the authority granted to him by the High Priests themselves to throw me in jail. To kill me even? You want me to go HEAL him? Good for him he is blind. You want ME to go heal him?"

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.So being a faithful man of God, Ananias went..

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

So here is Saul. The evil man. Enemy of Jesus, and one who in essence, was equal to Hitler. He was now a new creature. A man who would become known as Paul. But it was not an easy transition for some. It was not easy for some to accept that this evil man was now a Child of God.

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Now next time, we will continue with The Story of Peter. How God showed him how NOTHING God has cleansed, should no longer be called common. God shows this to Peter and Peter Preaches the Word to Gentiles for the first time, leading to a meeting between Peter and Saul, now called Paul.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

The Story of Saul

Story of Stephen. 

So picture this. This is the early days of the Church. Jesus has been Crucified and Risen again. The Apostles went beck to their daily lives until Jesus returned and admonished them. Telling them to go into all the world preaching the Gospel, and Baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Church is in it's early stages. Peter is the Head. They are attempting to figure it all out.

There comes to the Apostles's attention a problem. You see, new Followers of "The Way" are selling all the have and they are giving the money to the Church. The Church is distributing to all, according to their needs. Yet? As with today, some in charge of this, are not exactly honest? The complaint is that some Widows were being neglected.

Acts 6:

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

They basically said, what does this have to do with us? We are doing what we are called to do. But for your sake we will appoint someone to handle these things. So it goes on to tell that they appointed the seven. "Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch."

Now Stephen, became a strong Saint. He is highlighted in the Word as "full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." It also declares that those "saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." Although they did not like it, "And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." They arrested him and brought him to the High Priests. They lied, for they could not dispute the truth. Sound familiar? They claimed "This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law. For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us." Here is Stephen's Speech

"Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken;

The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, and were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live. In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months. And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?

Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us. To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

But Solomon built him an house. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers. Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." Act's 7

With this, "they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him." This is when we first meet Saul. "and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul."

Now I really want you to get this next part. Look how Stephen responds to them throwing stones at him. As they are wounding and killing him,,

Acts 7:

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Now, nowhere does the Word indicate the Stephen was at the Crucifixion. Nowhere does it indicate that he ever actually met Jesus Himself in the flesh. Yet, he said nearly verbatim, what Jesus said on the Cross. Same Spirit. Same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, is the same Spirit that gave Stephen the boldness to speak the Truth. The same that comforted him unto death itself. That same Spirit is in YOU. As a Child of God.

Now we will continue the Story of Saul next time, but as we get into Acts 8, we see that Saul "was consenting unto his death." So even though Stephen knew he was about to be killed by the Jews, he was bold enough to speak the Truth to them. He was Walking Worthy. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and sharing the Truth as God led him to. He allowed God to use him. He accepted his God Given Destiny.

Now some say, why would I want to accept this? What did telling the Truth to those that sought to kill him, actually accomplish? What did it accomplish? His name is Paul. We do not always understand God's purpose or plan for our lives. We may not understand the why. We just need to accept the what, and DO whatever it is.

It goes on to say that devout men came and carried Stephen away to bury him. Saul went on to prosecute the Church, meaning anyone that believed on the name of Jesus. To the average person, one could look at this as a pointless story. Stephen was picked to be a servant of the early Church, and what did it get him? Dead. What's the point?

Truth is, you actually effect more people, simply by being you, then you do by the things you say. Stephen was walking worthy, which allowed God to use him, the Apostles to chose him, and for him to fulfill his destiny. It was the fact that although he knew he was facing death, he was bold enough to continue to speak the Truth. Although he was in the midst of being killed, he openly forgave those killing him. It was what he did, as much, if not more, than what he said. He had no idea at the time, that his actions would set in motion one of the greatest conversions in history.

Are you walking worthy? Are you willing to answer the call? Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

Walking Worthy

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to use in edifying"

"Pete, I've said the Prayer. I've been Baptized. I've gone to Church. But here's my problem. I have read, and it is written,,,"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." {Matthew 7: 7-8} 

And again, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." {John 14:12-14}

I'm still hurting. I asked for a new car, for mine was running rough. Needed more work than I could afford to fix. It died. I asked for a raise or promotion on my Job because my pay is not paying the bills. I get laid off. I asked for a million dollars so I no longer have to suffer, yet I'm worse off than I was before. I Prayed for a sick Relative, they died. I'm starting to think this is all BS. There is no God, and if there is, He sure doesn't love me. Can you explain this?"

Yup. You may not like it. But the Truth is the Truth. Let's talk in general first. I have two boys. One decides to go off on their own. Live their life the way they see fit. One stays home with me. Now the one who stays home with me helps and old lady cross the street. He says to me, "Daddy. I helped and old lady cross the street. I really liked helping her. I want to do more. However, the traffic is horrendous. Can you please get me one of those bright yellow or orange vests so that they can see me better?" Of course. You will have it today.

"Daddy, I am helping out in a food pantry. However, I noticed that they are a bit short of supplies. I want to have a fundraiser to help raise funds to supply some much needed food and supplies. Can you help?" Of course. We will have a Car Wash, Bake Sale, or something to that effect. I may even help and pitch in with some funds of my own.

Now the Son that left call on me and says "Daddy, I'm in a strip club. I'm out of money. Can you send me a hundred bucks? All in ones would be nice." Or, "Daddy, I'm on the street and there is this new drug. Can you send me some money so I can try it?" Or, Daddy, "I'm not going to come home. I'm not going to follow your rules. But I have spent all I have. Can you please send me more money?" My response? My Son, I love you. I'm here. You have been told that if you stay under my authority {My roof} you can have anything you ask. But you chose to go off on your own. You chose to live the way you are living. You walked away. I cannot help you. I will not assist you in destroying yourself. Come home and I will restore you as my Son will full privileges. "No Father. I'm not my Brother. I do not feel I have to do the things he does or the things you say. I'm my own person and I will make my own choices. I guess you lied. You said you love me. You don't love me. I'm never going to follow what you say." My Son, I am here. You are there. The choice is yours to make.

Now the time comes, when I, as an earthly Father, that my Soul is required of me. My time has come to pass on. My two Sons come to hear what my last words are to them. The faithful Son hears, Come, enter into my Estate. All I have is now yours. My Wayward Son hears, My Son, I do not know you. Go in peace. You get nothing.

Are you Walking Worthy? You say that you needed a new car and the one you had died? What happened? "Well, I had to get another. It doesn't have as many problems, but it's not new." You said that you needed more money to pay your bills. That the Job you had was not cutting it. You lost your Job? "Yes." How can you get a better one until the one you have get's out of the way? Are you tithing? "No. Can't afford it." Know what Jesus says?

Luke 6:

38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

God says

Malachi 3:

8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

If you are not being obedient in Tithes and Offerings, how is God going to Bless you with Riches? Jesus said, "For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Try it. Trust me. That 90 percent will go a lot further than that 100 percent ever will.

You see, God wants to be your Father. He WANTS you to come to Him, trust Him, and rely on Him, for your every need. But He cannot be with you if you chose not to be with Him. Look at this.

Deuteronomy 30:

1 And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee,

2 And shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;

3 That then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee.

4 If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee:

5 And the Lord thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.

6 And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

7 And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.

8 And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the Lord, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.

9 And the Lord thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the Lord will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers:

10 If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.

11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.

12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?

13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?

14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

15 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

16 In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lordthy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

17 But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;

18 I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.

19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

20 That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Now this is God's promise to the Jewish People that He chose to set free from Bondage. They chose to be disobedient. He could not longer Bless them until they returned to His Ways. Following His Commandments. He promised them if they returned, if they chose to Walk Worthy, He would Bless them.

Proverbs 3:

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Actually, let's look at all this...

Proverbs 3

1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:

12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

19 The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

32 For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.

33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

So first God Promises us, "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." If we, like my two Sons, live under mine, live under God's Roof if you will, Obey Him, He will be with us always. Our days will even be extended.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Allow Him to direct your paths. Trust in Him and not of your will and desires of the flesh. He made that flesh. He made you. He knows what you have need of before you do. Jesus tells us this also..

Matthew 6:

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

"Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." Again, Jesus tells us this..

Matthew 4:

4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

The Word declares:

1 Corinthians 3:

19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Remember Paul's warning?

Romans 1:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

It goes on to tell us that if we continue in these ways, God WILL give us up. He WILL allow us to live as we will, even to the point of our own destruction.

"Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." Tithes and Offering. If you think about it, all that you have is provided by God. He is only asking you for the first Ten Percent. However, if you do not give, it can not be given to you.

11-26 basically says the same thing that Jesus summed up as "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Wisdom and Righteousness can only come from God and His Word. There is no other source for it. Nothing is greater than it. It is there for you.

" Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm." Jesus tells us...

Mark 12:

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

However, He also tells us this...

Matthew 5:

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

And?

Matthew 6:

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

"Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous. The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools."To not be conformed to the World or any of her ways. Peter tells us this..

1 Peter 2:

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Jesus, in a Prayer, said this,,,

John 17:

1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

He said, "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine." And then He said this, "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." You are not of this world any longer. You are a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood." You are a Child of God and a Prince or Princess of Heaven. The God of Creation, the Lord of Lord, and the King of Kings, is your Daddy. Do not give that all up for the world's sake. Walk Worthy.

Romans 12:

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Paul pleads with us to not enter into confusion...

Ephesians 4:

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Does God answer all Prayers? Yup. However, sometimes the answer is No. Does God answer your Prayer for things that do not benefit you or your role in His Plan and Purpose for your life? Nope. He can't. If you are not Walking Worthy, you are on your own. If you reject God, He has no choice but to reject you. It would be like my Son asking me to lift him up to touch the top of the hot stove. I say No. He finds a way to get himself up there, he burns himself. Did I burn him? Nope.Could I protect him at that point? Nope. He did it himself.

As for your sick Relative? Perhaps it was simply time. There is a season for all things. Perhaps, although YOU are a child of God and wanted God to intervene, they did not. That's something that is rarely ever said. Think about it though. What did all have in common, who was healed, and even raised from the dead? Faith in God. They were all God's Children and all believed that God could and would heal them. I understand some might get offended by this, but it is simple truth. If I'm sick and I know that a Physician is in the next town over, and I fail to go see him, and I die? Is it the fault of the Physician? I did not go to see him? Or is it mine own?

You are only responsible for you. You are only responsible for YOUR one on one relationship with God. You and you alone have to answer for the things you do. All those you read about being blessed by God? They all have something in common. They are Walking Worthy. When they fail to Walk Worthy, they all have to deal with the Correction of God. But again, God cannot help you if you CHOSE to be disobedient. If you CHOSE to walk away.

Are you Walking Worthy? Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!